Remember the good old days when doctors used to make house calls? If you were feeling less than yourself, you’d pick up the phone, contact the family doctor and he or she would be right at your front door, medical bag in tow, ready to treat you. Over time, as doctor/patient relationships become “less personal,” you’d have to get to the nearest medical clinic or emergency room. Well, thanks to modern technology, you can once again see the doctor without having to leave home.
No, the doctor isn’t going to show up at your doorstep, but you can be “seen” via phone or video conferencing through service providers such as PlushCare, and get the proper medications and medical instructions you need to quickly feel better.
Of course, there are certainly some diagnoses and treatments that can’t be made over the phone or through video conferencing. But if you suffer from some of the most common ailments, you can now avoid long waits in the doctor’s office or emergency room. This includes conditions such as the ones listed below:
Common Cold
Think you’re coming down with a cold? Often more annoying than severe, the common cold might produce symptoms that include: sneezing, stuffy nose, cough, headaches, sore throat, and in some cases, a slight fever. If you’ve been feeling these symptoms for more than a day and you’re not getting relief from over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you can contact a doctor and get prescription-grade meds that should help.
Sinus Infections
When your sinuses are clogged, it can be the most aggravating feeling in the world. While you might be able to kick the beginning stages with an OTC sinus medication, if you’ve suffered for a few days, you may have developed a full blown infection known as sinusitis. Symptoms include runny nose, pain or pressure in the face, fever, toothaches, and congestion. And when you blow your nose, you might notice thick yellow or green colored mucus.
Allergies
There are a variety of allergic reactions, and the symptoms will vary depending on which type you have. That said, allergy symptoms are generally not severe, but more or less a pain in the neck. The two most common allergies are seasonal and food. Seasonal allergies typically produce symptoms that include a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy or red eyes. Food allergies might cause hives or inflammation. Of course, if you’re dealing with a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the throat, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting, you’ll need to get to a treatment center right away.
Urinary Tract Infection
Although more prevalent in women, urinary tract infections are something no one wants to have. While some men will display no symptoms at all, others may experience frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, burning after using the restroom, a mild fever, and blood in the urine. While treatment will vary by doctor and the severity of your symptoms, some patients may be able to help the infection pass by staying hydrated and using the restroom as often as they feel the need. Others may require antibiotics.
Imagine what a relief it’ll be to pick up the phone or turn on your computer and get immediate medical assistance. As the world of technology and medicine continues to evolve, there are new, innovative ways for patients to reach their doctors whenever they need them most. Rather than waiting for long hours in a waiting room full of sick people, you can now get diagnosed and receive the proper medication to start healing right away. Keep in mind that if you have a regular doctor, it is imperative to follow-up with an actual in-person appointment later on, to ensure that all of your medical records are up to date.
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